Selimiye Mosque’s Main Dome Restored with Lead Cover
Newly Elected Mayor Expresses Gratitude for Selimiye Restoration
The newly elected mayor of Edirne, Recep Gürkan Kırbıyık, recently expressed his sadness at not being able to see the dome of Selimiye Mosque during his first Friday prayer. The mosque, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is currently undergoing restoration.
However, Kırbıyık quickly realized that the restoration work is also a blessing. During the call to prayer, he looked out at the pier and was struck by the many blessings of the restoration. He noted that the pier was being rebuilt from both the inside and outside, and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to witness the historic restoration taking place.
Selimiye Mosque is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. It was built by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan in the late 16th century and is considered one of his most important works. The mosque features a large dome surrounded by four minarets, as well as intricate ceramic tiling and decorative calligraphy.
The restoration work, which began in 2014, is aimed at preserving the mosque for future generations and ensuring that it remains a symbol of Islamic art and architecture. The restoration is being carried out by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with UNESCO.
Kırbıyık’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, even in the face of modernization and development. The restoration of Selimiye Mosque is a testament to the dedication and skill of the craftsmen and women who are working to ensure that this precious piece of history remains intact for generations to come.
